GB2162043A - Apparatus for stabilizing foot joints - Google Patents

Abstract

A stabilizing strap (80) for external use with a shoe includes a plantar strap (82), a first dorsal strap (84), a second dorsal strap (86) and an Achilles strap (94). Dorsal strap (84) is attached at one end to the medial end of plantar strap (82) and one end of dorsal strap (86) is attached to the lateral end of plantar strap (82). Achilles strap (94) is attached at one end to the medial end of plantar strap (82). A ring clasp (96) is attached to the lateral end of plantar strap (82) for receiving the free end of Achilles strap (94) and for cooperating therewith to enable adjustable tensioning of the strap about shoe (95). Eyelets (58) are provided along the edges (90, 92) of dorsal straps (84, 86) and a lace is provided to thus adjustably tension the dorsal straps about the shoe. By tensioning the dorsal straps (84, 86) and the Achilles strap (94), a stabilizing force can be directed along the line of movement of the infratalar joints of the foot to prevent excess pronation thereof during exercise. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Apparatus for stabilizing foot joints The present invention pertains to an apparatus for stabilizing the foot joints during exercise and, more particularly, to a stablizerstrapworn external to a show for stabilizing the subtalarjoint during the exercise.

During the exercise, the joints of an athlete's foot are subjected to most severe shear forces. In particu- lar, the joint between the talus bone and the calcaneus bone, which formed the subtalarjoint, is the recipient of a large portion ofthese shear forces. Primarily, these forces are the result of shocks generated when the heel strikes the ground. These shocks are exacerbated during running, since, during the running gait, both feet simultaneously leave the ground during running, an increased motion occurs in all of the foot joints, with the forces distributed thereover by hyd raulic action.This hydraulic action is due to the talar bones being held together by an integral network of muscles, tendons and ligaments that allow only limited motion, thus resulting in dispersion of the forces throughout the foot.

Although there is only limited motion between the talar bones, a certain amount of movement is provided in orderto stabilize thefoot on uneven surfaces. Such movements are inversion (pronation) which is turning of the foot inward and eversion (supination) which is turning the foot outward. When the heel ofthe foot strikesthe ground, the remainder ofthefoot lags:such that all of the weight is supported bythe calcaneus bone. Until the distai portion of the foot strikes the ground, the foot is allowed to rotate aboutthesubtalarjointwhich can cause excessive pronation. Normally, an adequate pair of athletic shoes can reduce this excessive pronation by providing arch support.However, athletic shoes have a tendency to slip during exercise and do not properly stabilize the subtalarjoint. Moreover, an athlete's foot often swells during exercise, thus changing the fit and supportofthe athletic shoe during the exercise. If the subtalarjoint and thejointstherearound are not continuaily properly stabilized, pain can resu It from excessive rotation about these joints.

In view ofthe above, there exists a need for a stabilizing device that minimizes movement of the subtalarjoint ofthe foot during exercise, and which may be adjusted during exercise in order to maintain propersupport at all times.

The present invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises an apparatus for stabilizing movement of the infratalarjoints of the foot and includes a dorsal strap for applying a dispersive force about the dorsum ofthe foot and directed along the line of motion ofthe infratalarjoint. An achilles strap is provided for applying a dispersive force about the tendo-calcaneus proximate the attachment pointthereofto the calcaneus bone and directed towards the posterior talo-calcaneal joint. A plantar strap is provided for applying a dispersive force about the sole of the foot proximate the attachment point of the plantar fascia to the calcaneus bone and directed towards the infratalar joints.The dorsal strap, Achilles strap and plantar strap reduce movementofthe infratalarjoints during exercise and are interconnected such that an increase of force on one of the straps distributes the force to the remaining straps.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the straps are interconnected on the medial side ofthe foot adjacent the tendon connectionstothenavicular bone and adjustably connected together on the lateral side of the foot. The lateral connection allows for adjustmantofthe length of the Achilles and dorsal stra ps such that th e force can be distributed around the infratalarjoints. By adjusting these straps, com pensation can be made forswelling in the foot and also different magnitudes of force thereof.

In yet another embodiment ofthe present invention, a shoe is first disposed overthe foot and the straps placed external to the shoe to securethe shoe to the foot in addition to stabilizing the infratalarjoints. In this manner, the straps assistthefunction of the shoe in distributing the forces incurred during running.The strap can be external to the shoe or an integral part thereof.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the dorsal strap is modified to include a conventional lacing system.

Fora more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a sideviewofthetarsal bones and depicting the infratalarjoint; Figure 2 illustrates a lateral view of the apparatus of the present invention disposed external to a shoe; Figure 3 illustrates a medial view ofthe apparatus of the present invention disposed external to the shoe; Figure 4 illustrated a rear view of the shoes of Figures 1 and 2 with the apparatus disposed thereon; Figu re 5 ilustrated a planar view of the inner side of the apparatus unwrapped from the shoe; Figure 6 illustrates a planar view of the other side of the strap of Figure 4;; Figure 7 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention shown as an integral part ofthe show; Figure 8 illustrates a top view ofthe instep pad disposed over the dorsum ofthefootand integral with the shoe; Figure 9 illustrates a planarview of a second alternative embodiment ofthe apparatus of the present invention; Figure 10 illustrates a lateral viewofthe apparatus of Figure 9 as an integral part of the shoe; Figure 11 illustrates a medial view ofthe apparatus of Figure 9 shown as an integral part of the shoe; and Figure 12 illustrates a top view of the apparatus of Figure 9 disposed overthe dorsum of the foot and integral with the shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In order to fully understand the present invention, an explanation ofthe construction ofthe human foot is necessary. Referring to FIGURE 1, there is illustrated a medial view of the tarsal bones ofthe human foot.

The heel of the foot is formed with the calcaneus bone 10 which is the largest and strongest of the tarsal bones. The calcaneus 10 articulates with the talus 12 and the navicular 14. The remainderofthe foot is - formed by articulation between the cuneiform bones 16, which articulate with the navicular 14, the metatarsals 18 which articulate at the base thereof with the cuneiform bones 16 and atthedistal end with the phalanges 20. The superior surface ofthetalus 12 has a broad smooth trochlear surface forarticulation with the tibia.The internal surface ofthe talus 12 presents at its upper part a pear-shaped articularfacetfor articulation with the inner malleolus and the external surface presents a large triangularfacet, concave from above downward for articulation with the external malleolus.

The head of the talus 12 articulates with the navicu lar and the inferiorsurface thereof presents two articular facets separated by a deep groove. This groove runs obliquely forward and outward, becoming g raduaily broader and deeper in front, and corresponds with a similar groove on the upper surface of the calcaneus 10 and forms, while articulated with the calcaneus 10, a canal,filled up bythe interosseous talo-calcanean ligments.There are three facets for articulation between the talus 12 and the calcaneus 10, the posterior, middle and anterior facets. Of these articularfacets, the posterior is the larger, of an oblong form and deeply concave from side to side. The anterior and middle facets are shorter and narrower of an elongated oval form, convex longitudinally.

The talus 12 takes part in three joints, the supratalar joint (not shown), the infratalarjoints 22 and the pretalar joint24. The supratalarioint isthe ankle joint which is the articulation ofthe talus 12 with the tibia and allowsflexion and extension ofthefootThe operation ofthe supratalarjoint is essentially that of a hugejoint.The inf rata larjoints 22 permit a gliing of one bone on the other in a direction from side to side.

The pretalarjoint 24 permits considerable mobility and essentially consists of a rotation motion.Therefore, the infratalarjoints 22 and the pretalarjoints 24 provide means by which the sole of the foot may be slightly flexed and extended or carried inward (inversion orsupination) and outward (eversion orprona tion).During exercise,theinfratalarjoints22andthe pretalarjoints 24 are subjectto an undue amount of stress when the heel ofthefootstrikesthe ground.

Although there are numerous ligamentsthat bind the tarsal bones together, excessive supination or pronation can result This excessive supination or pronation can cause pain ordiscomforttothe individual due to excessive movement in the infratalarand pretalar joints.

Referring now to FIGURES 2,3 and 4, there are illustrated medial, lateral and rearviews of a stabilizing strap 25 in ccordance with the present invention disposed external to a shoe 28. A dorsal strap 26 is disposed exteriorto the shoe 28 on the dorsum fo the foot. An Achilles strap 30 is disposed over the tendocalcaneus adjacent to the attached point thereof to the calcaneus bone. A plantar strap 32 is disposed underthe sole of the show 28 proximate the attachment point ofthe plantar fascia to the calcaneus bone 10. One end of each ofthe straps 26,30 and 32 is secured together on the medial side ofthe shoe 28 at a connecting point 34. The straps 26,30 and 32 are fabricated from a cotton polyester blend webbing.In the preferred embodiment, the plantar strap 32 has a thickness that is approximately twice the thickness of the Achilles strap 3Oand the dorsal strap 26 since, as will be described hereinbelow, a greater magnitude of force is imparted, to the plantarstrap 32.

The other end of the plantar strap 32 has a length of connecting strap 36 and a length of connecting strap 38 attached thereto to a connecting point 40, the connecting straps 36 and 38 having a fixed oblique angle with respect to the center line ofthe plantar strap 32. The angles between each of the connecting straps 36 and 38 and the center line of the plantarstrap 32 are similarto the angles between both the Achilles strap 30 and the dorsal strap 26 and the center line of the other end of the plantarstrap 32. The connecting point 34 and the connecting point 40 are sewn on the ends of the plantar strap 32 to maintain all angular relationships.

A ring clasp42 is connected to thefree end ofthe connecting strap 36 and a ring clasp 44 is connected to the free end ofthe connecting strap 38.The ring clasp 42 is operable to receive the free end of the dorsal strap 26 and the ring clasp 44 is operable to receive the free wend ofthe Achilles strap 30. The free ends of the straps 26 and 30 are turned back over and connected to the surfaces thereof aftertensioning thereof, as will be described hereinbelow.

Referring now to FIGURES 5 and 6, there are illustrated two views of both sides ofthe stabilizing strap 25 removed from the shoe 28 and depicted as a planarview. In FIGURE 4, the view illustrated is that of the surface ofthe stabilizing strap 25 facing away from the surface ofthe shoe 28. A layer46 of hook-like material is disposed proximate the end ofthe dorsal strap 26. A layer48 of fibrous material is disposed on the surface ofthe dorsal strap 26 adjacent the layer 46.

The hook-like material in the layer 46 is operable to mesh with the fibrous material in the layer 48 to form an attachment therefo r. This type of material is commonly referred to under the trade name "Velcro".

A layer of hook-like material 50 is disposed proximate the end ofthe strap 30 and a layer of fibrous material 52 is disposed adjacentthe layer of hook-like material 50. The layers 50 and 52 are similar to the layers 46 and 48, respectively.

The free end of the dorsal strap 26 having the layer 46 disposed thereon is inserted through the ring clasp 42 on the connecting strap 36 and folded back over itself such thatthe layer46 contacts the layer 48 on the surface thereof. The two layers 46 and 48 are designed to provide a resistance to shea rforces therebetween but the application offorces perpendicular to the surface of the dorsal layer 26 at the connection between the layers 46 and 48 results in separation thereof. Therefore, the dorsal strap 26 can be tightened through the ring clasp 42 and the two layers 46 and 48 attached together to provide sufficient shear force to retain the tension therein.The free end of the strap 30 is inserted through the ring clasp 44 in a similar manner with the layers 50 and 52 providing the attachment therefor.

Referring now to FIGURES, a force relief pad 54 is attached to the surface of the Achilles strap 30 such thatthe pad 54 is adjacent the surface of the shoe 28.

The pad 54 is oriented on the surface of the strap 30 such thatthe pad will coverthetendo-calcaneusand evenly disperse the force across the surface and the sides thereof. A force relief pad 56 is disposed on the opposite side of the connection point 34 for contacting the medial side ofthe shoe 28. The pads 54 and 56 are fabricated of neoprene rubber in the preferred embodiment.

As described above, the connection point 34 is disposed adjacent and slightly below the navicular bone. This portion of the foot anatomy is very sensitive in that both the anteriortibial tendon and posteriortibial tendons attach in this region. Referring back to FIGURE 1, the anteriortibial tendon attaches to the points 57 on the cuneiform bone 16 nd the base of the first metatarsal bone. The posteriortibial tendon attaches to the points 59 on the undersurface of the navicularbone 14 and, the cuneiform bone 16. The posterior and anteriortibial tendons extend about the naviculartuberosity and can be a point of irritation during exercise.Therefore, the force relief pad 56 provides some conformation to the lateral side of the foot and, in addition, raises the dorsal strap 26 at the connection point 34 slightly above the surface ofthe shoe 28. In this manner, the pressure applied to the area proximate the naviculartuberosity and the insertion points ofthe anterior and posteriortibial tendons is minimized.

Referring furtherto FIGURES 5 and 6, the operation of the dorsal, Achilles and plantarstraps will be described in more detail. Prior to exercise, the plantar strap 32 is disposed underthe sole of the shoe, the Achilles strap 30 placed over the back of the shoe and the dorsal strap 26 placed over the dorsum of the shoe.

The free ends ofthe dorsal strap 26 and the Achilles strap 30 are inserted through the ring clasps 42 and 44, respectively. The individual then tightens the dorsal strap 26 and the Achilles strap 30 to provide a desired level of comfort and support. The plantar strap 32 supplies a force vector that is directed towards the infratalarjoints and proximate the attachment point of the planta fascia to the calcaneus bone. The Achilles strap 30 provides a force vector directed external to the shoe 28 and along the line of motion ofthe infratalarjoints external to thetendo-calcaneus and proximate the attachment pointthereoftothe calcaneus bone. This force vector is transmitted to the infratalarjoints by hydraulic action in the foot.

The dorsal strap 26 provides a force vector that is directed external to the shoe 28 and on the dorsum of the foot and essentially along the line of motion of the infratalarjoints. When a shock is received to the foot during exercise, force applied to one portion ofthe foot, such as the heel, is dispersed through the foot by hydraulic action. The dorsal strap 26, Achilles strap 30 and plantarstrap 32 aid the foot in dispersing this motion without excess movement ofthe infratalar joints and also improves shoe-foot conformation.

The shoe-foot conformation provided by the pre sent invention is important in thatthe arch of the foot contactstheinnersoleoftheshoe28whichis normally formed as an arch supportto provide supportforthe arch of the foot. lfthefoot is allowed to slipwithin the shoe 28, support forthe arch would be reduced and this would result in excess pronation of the foot since the lateral side of the foot would exhibit a tendencytoturn outward during impact of the heel which can result in some pain. Therefore, the increased shoe-foot conformation provided by the stabilizing strap 25 can alleviate some of the pain due to excess pronation of the foot resulting from move ment of the infratalarjoints.

Since the tension of each of the straps 26 and 30 can be adjusted by the individual, the amount of force applied along the line of motion of the infratalarjoints can therefore be adjusted. For example, during running, the foot can have a tendency to sweli and sweat resulting in a change in the shoe-foot conformation. In orderto adjust this, it is only necessary to adjustthe tension in each of the straps. Sometimes this may require two or three adjustments during an exercise routine. Without allowing for adjustment of the straps 26 and 30, a great deal of discomfort could result during the exercise routine.

In the preferred embodiment, the angle between the centerlines ofthe straps 26 and 30 is approximately 900 and the angle of each of the straps 26 and 30 with respectto the center iine of the plantarstrap32 is approximately 45 such that the straps 26,30 and 32 form a "Y" configuration. In a similar manner, the angle between the connecting straps 36 and 38 is approximately 900 and the angle of each of the straps 36 and 38 with respect to the center line ofthe plantar strap 32 is approximately 45 . However, it should be understood that the angular relationships of the straps in the preferred embodiment is not a limitation and can be altered to provide a stabilizing strap customized for an individual's personal foot anatomy.In addition, the attachment points 34 and40, although shown fixed, can be pivoted such that the dorsal strap 26 and the Achilles strap 30 pivotabout the attachment point34and the connecting straps 36 and 38 pivot aboutthe connecting point40. This allows an individual to place the straps 26 and 30 at the position to provide maximum stabilization ofthe infrataiar joints. In addition to providing force relief, the pad 54 also provides friction to keep the strap 30 from moving. Although not shown, an additional pad can be disposed on the undersurface ofthe dorsal strap 26 to prevent slipping thereof. This maintains the selected position ofthe straps 26 and 30 with respect to the shoe.

Referring nowtoFIGURE7,thereisillustratedan alternate embodiment of the present invention. Points 58 are integrally molded with the sole of a shoe 60. A dorsal strap 62 is disposed overthe dorsal of the foot external to the shoe 60 in a similar manner to the dorsal strap 26. However, the dorsal strap 62 is wider than the dorsal strap 26 of FIGURE2 with relation to 'ne respective one ofthe shoes 28 or 60. An Achilles strap 64 is disposed over the tendo-calcaneus in a similar manner to the positioning of the Achilles strap 30.However, the Achilles strap 64 is permanently rooted through a slip 66 in the heel ofthe shoe and disposed higher than the dorsal strap 62 A pad 68 is disposed on the undersurface oftheAchilles strap 64 and provides reliefforthe medial portion ofthe tendo-calcaneus. Although not shown, the Achilles strap 64 and the dorsalstrap 62 have a free end which is inserted through associated ring clasps on the medial side of the shoe 60 that are similarto the ring clasps 42 and 44 ofthe embodiment of FIGURES 2-4. In addition, a relief pad (not shown) is disposed under the connection pointforthe straps 62 and 64 on the medial side ofthe plantarstrap 32.

Referring to FIGURE 8, there is illustrated a top view ofthe shoe 60 of FIGURE 7. A pad 70 is provided on the instep undertwo instep flaps 72 and 74. The dorsal strap 62 is illustrated in phantom lines. The pad 70 is similar in construction to the pads 54 and 56of FIGURE 6 and provides force relief overthe dorsum ofthe foot and proximate to the sensitive tendon insertion points thereon. When the dorsal strap 62 is tightened, the flaps72 and 74 movetogethertotighten the shoe 60 aboutthe instep ofthefoot Therefore, the Achilles strap 64 and the dorsal strap 62 provide the primary securing function ofthe shoe aboutthe foot while also stabilizing the infratalarjoints.

Referring to FIGURES, there is illustrated a planar view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The stabilizing strap 80 is of a y-shaped one-piece construction for being disposed external to a shoe. Stabilizing device 80 comprises a plantar strap 82 for disposal beneath the inner sole of a shoe. Afirst dorsal straps attached atone end thereoftothe medial end of plantarstrap 82 and a second dorsal strap 86 is attached at one end thereof to the lateral end of the plantarstrap 82. Dorsal straps 84,86 are adapted to overlay the exterior surface of the shoe adjacentthe dorsum of the foot on the medial and lateral sides thereof, respectively. Eyelets 88 are provided along the edges 90, 92 of dorsal straps 84, 86.

Stabilizing strap 80 also comprises an Achilles strap 94 for being disposed on the shoe adjacent the tendo-calcaneus proximate the attachment point thereof two the calcaneus bone. Achilles strap 94 is attached at one end thereofto the medial end of plantarstrap 82. A ring clasp 96 is attached to the lateral end of plantarstrap 82for receiving thefree end of Achilles strap 94. A layerof hook-like material (not shown) is disposed on the exterior surface of strap 94 proximate the free end and a layeroffibrous material (not shown) is disposed on the ventral surface. The layers are similar to the layers 110,52 described above.

Achilles strap 94thus cooperates with ring clasp 96 to enable adjustable tensioning of Achilles strap 94 about the shoe in the manner described above with respectto ring clasp 44 and Achilles strap 30.

FIGURES 10 and 11 illustrate lateral and medial views of the stabilizing strap 80 as an integral part of a shoe 98. As shown in the Figures, plantar strap 82 is fixedly secured to the sole ofthe shoe and extends beneath the innersole ofthe shoe 98 between the mid sole 100 andthe outersole 102 proximate the attachment point of the plantarfascia to the calcaneus bone. An orienting loop 104 is disposed proximate the heel 106 of shoe 98 which receives the free end of Achilles strap 94for properdisposal of the strap over the tendo-calcaneus proximate the attachment point to the calcaneus bone.Achilles strap 94 is thus extended from the medial side of shoe 98 through loop 104 and is then inserted through ring clasp 96 on the lateral side of the shoe and adjusted therethrough to tension Achilles strap 94 about shoe 98 and thus providethedesiredlevel of comfort and support. As described above with respect to FIGURES, dorsal straps 84,86 extend overthe dorsum of the foot on the exteriorof shoe 98 on the lateral and medial sides thereof respectively.

As best seen in FIGURE 12, a lace 106 is provided to extend between edges 90,92 of dorsal straps 84,86 and to thus adjustably tension the dorsal straps about shoe 98. As shown in FIGURE 12, lace 106 is attached to the lowermost opposed pair of eyelets 88 and then criss-crossed into the other eyelets in the conventional manner. Achilles strap 94 and dorsal straps 84,86 thus secure the shoe about the foot while also stabilizing the infratalarjoints.

In summary, there has been provided a stabilizing device that stabilizes motion about the infratalar joints.The stabilizing device includes a dorsal strap for disposal about the dorsum ofthe foot, an Achilles strap for disposal over the tendo-calcaneus adjacent the attachment point thereof to the calcaneus bone and a plantar strap for disposal underthe sole of the foot exterior to the shoe and proximate the attachment pointofthe plantarfascia to the calcaneus bone.

The plantar strap, dorsal strap and Achilles strap are of a one-piece y-shaped construction with the dorsal strap consisting of two components overlaying the dorsufn of the foot exterior to the shoe on the medial and lateral sides thereof and interconnected through a conventional lacing system. The dorsal straps are adjustably tensioned through the lacing system. A ring clasp is attached to the plantar strap for receiving the Achilles strap and allowing for adjustable tension- ing thereof. By tensioning the dorsal and Achilles straps, a stabilizing force can be directed along the line of motion of the infratalarjoints ofthe foot The stabilizing device thereforstabilizes the infratalar joints and increases shoe-foot conformation during exercise. The adjustability on the tension on the dorsal and Achilles straps allows for adjustment during an exercise routine such thatcompensation is made for swelling ofthe foot.

Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, itshould beunderstoodthat various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein, without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined by the appended

Claims (8)

Claims. CLAIMS

1. An apparatusforstabilizing movementofthe infratalarjoints of a foot disposed in a shoe comprising: a plantar strap for being disposed beneath the inner sole of the shoe proximatetheplantarfascia atthe attachment pointthereofto the calcaneus bone, said plantar strap having a first and second end for partially extending up the sides ofthe foot exteriorto the shoe; a first dorsal strap for being disposed adjacent the dorsum of the foot exteriorto the shoe on one side thereof, said first dorsal strap secured at one end to the first end of said plantarstrap; a second dorsal strap for being disposed adjacent the dorsum of the foot exterior to the shoe on the othe side thereof, said second dorsal strap secured at one end to the second end of said plantar strap;; first means for removably attaching said first dorsal strap to said second dorsal strap; an achilles strap for being disposed exteriorto the shoe and adjacent the tendo-calcaneus proximate the attachment point thereof to the calcaneous bone, said achilles strap having one end thereof secured to the firstendofsaid plantarstrap; and second means for removably attaching the free end of said achilles strap to the second end of said plantar strap, said first and second attaching means enabling adjustable tensioning of said dorsal strap, said achil les strap and said plantar strap to restrain movement ofthe infratalarjoints during exercise and to secure the shoe about the foot.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first adjusting means comprises a lace.

3. The apparatus claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said second attaching means comprises: a loop attached to the second end of said plantar strap for receiving the free end of said achilles strap; a layeroffibrous material disposed on the ventral side of said achilles strap adjacent the free end thereof; and a layer of hook-like material disposed on the exterior side of said achilles strap such that said layer of fibrous material mates therewith when the end of said achilles strap is inserted into said loop and folded back thereover.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3 further comprising an orienting loop disposed proximate the heel ofthe shoe at the topmost portion for receiving the free end of said achilles strap for proper disposal ofthestrapoverthetendo-calcaneus proximate the attachment point thereto to the calcaneus bone.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein said plantarstrap, said first and second dorsal strap, and said achilles strap are of a one-piece construction.

6. The apparatus ofany preceding claim wherein said plantarstrap is integral with the shoe.

7. An apparatus for stabilizing movement of the infratalarjoints of a foot disposed in a shoe substantiallyas hereinbefore particularly described and as illustrated in Figures 2 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.

8. An apparatus for stabilizing movement ofthe infratalarjoints of a foot disposed in a shoe substan- tally as hereinbefore particularly described and as illustrated in Figures 10 to 12 ofthe accompanying drawings.